Did a Weight Loss Plateau Ruin Your Day?

The human body is designed to adapt to changes in the availability of food. So, each time your scale seems to get stuck, be patient and remain confident that you can achieve your goal weight. It is easy to think that reaching a weight loss plateau is going to ruin your plans. Truth is you’ve done a good job to lose the weight you’ve lost. So, exercise patience and don’t screw up your metabolism. Some experts think your body does not know the difference between your intentional weight loss and a food famine. That would explain why plateaus occur where your body attempts to hold onto stored fuel sources. Even though you are consuming the same number of calories, your weight loss will likely slow down at some point. In fact, a weight loss plateau is where you burn all of the calories that you consume.

• Avoid Liquid Calories - Rather than drinking a box of juice, snack on carrots, or enjoy a big crisp apple, or have a sweet treat with a slice of fiber-rich watermelon for a more satiating result.
• Be as Active as Possible - A walk around the block after your evening meal can increase your burn rate and help you relax. Moreover, a little post-meal activity can keep you from being tempted by stress-induced grazing.
• Stay Patient as Your Body Adjusts - Body weight can fluctuate. The foods you eat and how your hormones respond can have a major effect on how much water your body retains, so be patient as it adjusts.
• Cut Back on Salt - Everyone knows sugar is a nemesis that can lead to weight gain. But, a diet that is too high in salt intake can lead to weight gain (water retention). Moreover, salty snacks often contain sugars and fats.

For years, research studies have focused on how different people respond to eating different foods. Truth is some people absorb certain essential nutrients better than others proving there is no one-size-fits-all approach for losing weight. Customizing a diet and exercise plan based on an individual’s genetic profile may be the next frontier in losing weight more effectively by following a personalized menu plan and making the appropriate lifestyle changes. Personalized menu plans based on your genetic profile rely on an analysis of your basic makeup to make informed dietary recommendations that meet your personal nutritional and health needs. Research studies have shown that genetics come into play with our eating habits suggesting there is no one-size-fits-all diet. A personalized dietary plan may help you overcome a weight loss stall.